Tacaná Volcano: Adventure and Biodiversity
Conquer the spectacular landscapes of the Tacaná volcano on a route that crosses mangroves, coffee plantations and cloud forests. Ideal for photography lovers, bird watchers and deep experience seekers.
Quetzal, Horned guan, Rose-bellied bunting, Agami heron, Orange-breasted bunting and more.
We start our journey leaving early from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, in the direction of Soconusco. On the way we will take a special deviation towards the Ancient road that crosses La Sepultura reserve, a little-traveled but key area for birdwatching in the lowland and deciduous rainforest of the Pacific.
Here, with patience and the expert guide of the team, we will look for two endemic jewels: the rose-bellied bunting (Passerina rositae), known for its vibrant pink-magenta plumage, and the orange-breasted bunting (Passerina leclancherii), a species coveted by observers.
Then, we continue towards the coastal region to enter the La Encrucijada lagoon system, where we will board a boat to tour the canals between the red and black mangroves. Our goal: to sight the agami heron (Agamy Agami), one of the most beautiful and elusive herons on the continent, as well as black-crowned night heron, cormorants, roseate spoonbill and crocodiles in their natural habitat.
At the end of the day, we come to Tapachula, where we will spend the night. Free time for dinner and rest.
After breakfast, we left for Unión Juárez, charming town nestled in the foothills of Tacaná, about 1,300 m.a.s.l. This day will be dedicated to the senses: we will have a coffee tasting, of agroecological production, while we get to know the process of the grain from the plant to the cup.
In the afternoon, we will tour the rural trails and surrounding coffee plantations, a biological corridor between jungle and traditional cultivation that houses a great diversity of birds. Here we can find species like the collared trogon, the blue-capped motmot, tangaras, oropendolas, ferruginous owls, and hopefully even a quetzal in altitude transition. Night in Unión Juárez, under the starry sky of the mountain.
This will be the most exciting day. At dawn, we started a guided walk to the foothills of the imposing Tacana Volcano, the second highest peak in Mexico with 4,100 meters above sea level, although our objective will be to explore up to 2,500 m of altitude, where the heart of the cloud forest is located.
In this area, with morning fog, moss and hanging bromeliads, we will begin the search for two of the most emblematic birds of Mesoamerica: the resplendent quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), symbol of freedom for ancient peoples, and horned guan (Oreophasis derbianus), an endemic high-mountain cracid, rare and threatened.
Throughout the ascent it is also possible to see Multicolored tangara, hummingbirds, carpenters, and raptors like the crested eagle. The flora is not far behind: we will find Tree ferns, wild orchids and lichens.
After a day of exploration and observation, we return to Unión Juárez to spend the night.
After breakfast, we start the return to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, enjoying the change of landscapes from the mountains to the plains of the Isthmus. On the way we will make an optional stop for typical food in Tonalá or Arriaga.
Arrival in Tuxtla in the afternoon, closing a deep experience, rich in biodiversity, culture and connection with nature.